How long does it take to walk the Plainpalais creative route?

The walk typically takes between 2 to 3 hours. This includes roughly 45 minutes for transit between stops and walking, with the remainder allocated for exploring the markets and galleries.

Where is the Frankenstein statue in Geneva?

The Monument du Monstre de Frankenstein is located at the northern tip of the Plaine de Plainpalais. It was installed in 2014 to commemorate the neighborhood's role in Mary Shelley's famous novel.

Is MAMCO worth visiting?

Yes, MAMCO is Switzerland's largest contemporary art museum and is highly recommended for its unique industrial setting and frequently changing, experimental exhibitions. It is a landmark of the Geneva art scene.

Can I see the flea market in Plainpalais every day?

No, the flea market typically takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays from early morning until late afternoon. On Sundays, a large farmers' market usually occupies the space instead.

Who is buried in the Cimetière des Rois?

The cemetery is the final resting place for famous figures including Protestant reformer John Calvin, writer Jorge Luis Borges, psychologist Jean Piaget, and diplomat Sérgio Vieira de Mello. It is known as the 'Pantheon of Geneva.'

Is the Plainpalais walk accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, the Plainpalais district is one of the flattest areas in Geneva. The route follows wide, paved sidewalks and the parks and cemeteries have accessible paths, making it suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

What is the best time of day for this self-guided walk?

Late Wednesday or Saturday morning is ideal. This allows you to experience the bustle of the flea market before the art galleries in the Quartier des Bains open (usually around 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM).

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Geneva is often synonymous with diplomacy and luxury watches, but the Plainpalais district offers a completely different rhythm. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the bohemian soul of the city, where historic flea markets meet world-class contemporary art. Your journey begins at the majestic Victoria Hall, a late 19th-century concert hall known for its impeccable acoustics and gilded interior. From there, the neighborhood reveals its darker, more literary side as you encounter a bronze tribute to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, whose creature committed its first crime on these very grounds in the original 1818 novel. The heart of the district is the Plaine de Plainpalais, a massive diamond-shaped open space that serves as the community's living room. Depending on when you visit, you might find a sprawling flea market, a vibrant farmers' market, or even a visiting circus. This walking tour Geneva enthusiasts love then dives into the "Quartier des Bains," the epicenter of Geneva’s modern art scene. Here, industrial spaces have been transformed into cutting-edge galleries and museums that push the boundaries of visual culture. You will explore the MAMCO, Switzerland’s largest and most significant contemporary art museum, housed in a former laboratory equipment factory. Right next door, the Centre d'Art Contemporain offers a rotating glimpse into the future of visual arts through its experimental exhibitions. To conclude this neighborhood stroll, you’ll find tranquility at the Cimetière des Rois, often called the Pantheon of Geneva. It is a peaceful, park-like space where some of the most influential figures in history, from the Protestant reformer John Calvin to the literary giant Jorge Luis Borges, are buried in modest, dignified graves. This self-guided adventure is perfect for those who want to see a more creative, local side of Geneva, away from the typical tourist trails. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

The gilded 19th-century grandeur of Victoria Hall

The eerie bronze statue of Frankenstein’s Monster

The bustling flea markets of the diamond-shaped Plaine de Plainpalais

Cutting-edge exhibitions at MAMCO, Switzerland's largest modern art museum

The 'Pantheon' of Geneva at the historic Cimetière des Rois

Tour Stops (6)

Victoria Hall

Our self-guided walk begins at Victoria Hall, a architectural jewel dedicated to music. Built between 1891 and 1894, this concert hall was a gift to the city from Daniel Barton, the British consul at the time, who named it in honor of Queen Victoria. While the exterior displays a refined Neoclassical style, the interior is legendary for its Rococo-inspired gilded decor and exceptional acoustics. It has hosted many of the world's greatest orchestras and soloists. Notice the intricate details of the facade before we move toward the more modern, edgy side of the Plainpalais neighborhood. This building represents the high-culture roots of Geneva that contrast beautifully with the art-focused stops ahead.

Monument du Monstre de Frankenstein

Just a short walk away, you’ll encounter a figure that feels more like a nightmare than a classical concert. This bronze statue depicts Frankenstein's Monster, a nod to Mary Shelley’s 1818 masterpiece. Shelley conceived the story while staying at Villa Diodati near Lake Geneva during the 'year without a summer.' In the novel, the creature commits its first murder—killing young William—right here on the Plainpalais grounds. The statue, created by the artist collective KLAT, captures the creature in a haunting, contemporary form, reminding us that Geneva has long been a source of inspiration for gothic and experimental literature.

Plaine de Plainpalais

You are now standing in the heart of the district, the Plaine de Plainpalais. This unique, diamond-shaped open space is the social lung of Geneva. Historically, it was a marshy area outside the city walls, but today it hosts some of the city's most beloved events. If you are here on a Wednesday or Saturday, you’ll see the famous flea market, where locals hunt for vintage treasures and antiques. On Sundays, it transforms into a massive farmer's market. Even on quiet days, the skate park and the various public art installations make it a prime spot for people-watching and soaking in the local Geneva vibe.

MAMCO Genève

Welcome to the Quartier des Bains and its crown jewel, MAMCO—the Musée d'art moderne et contemporain. Opened in 1994, it is housed in a former factory that produced laboratory equipment, and the museum retains much of that industrial aesthetic. As the largest contemporary art museum in Switzerland, MAMCO is famous for its 'living' approach to art; the spaces are frequently redesigned, and the exhibitions are constantly evolving. Because the content here changes so often, every visit offers a new perspective on modern creativity, ranging from minimalist installations to provocative video art. It is a cornerstone of Geneva’s identity as a hub for the avant-garde.

Centre d'Art Contemporain Genève

Located in the same industrial complex as MAMCO, the Centre d'Art Contemporain is a different kind of institution. Founded in 1974, it was the first contemporary art institution in French-speaking Switzerland. Unlike a traditional museum, it does not have a permanent collection. Instead, it acts as a laboratory for new ideas, supporting emerging artists and commissioning new works. The exhibitions here are often experimental and may include performance art, digital media, or site-specific installations. It is the perfect place to see the art of tomorrow being shaped today. Take a moment to explore the current rotation, keeping in mind that the nature of the art here is purposefully transient and bold.

Cimetière des Rois (Cimetière de Plainpalais)

We conclude our neighborhood stroll at the Cimetière des Rois, or the Cemetery of Kings. Despite its name, you won't find royalty here; instead, it is the final resting place for individuals who have made significant contributions to the city and the world. It was established in 1482 during a plague outbreak but eventually became the city's most prestigious cemetery. Look for the simple grave of John Calvin, the leader of the Reformation, or the tomb of the Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges. The cemetery is designed like a park, offering a quiet, reflective space that feels worlds away from the busy streets outside. It is a fitting end to a walk that spans centuries of Geneva's creative and intellectual history.

Frequently Asked Questions

This self-guided audio walk is the best way to explore Plainpalais, as it focuses on the 'Quartier des Bains' contemporary art scene and the historic Plaine de Plainpalais. It covers major institutions like MAMCO and the Centre d'Art Contemporain at your own pace.